Joshua 19:22
And the coast reacheth to Tabor, and Shahazimah, and Beth-shemesh; and the outgoings of their border were at Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Mount Tabor's isolated position rising 1,300 feet above the surrounding plain made it a natural fortress and landmark. Archaeological excavations have revealed fortifications from various periods, including Israelite remains. The mountain's strategic value is evident in its repeated appearance in military contexts (Judges 4-5, Judges 8:18, Hosea 5:1). Beth-shemesh ('house of the sun') appears in multiple tribal territories, suggesting this was a common Canaanite place name requiring re-consecration to Yahweh worship. The Jordan River marked Issachar's eastern boundary, separating western tribal lands from Transjordanian territories. This boundary was both geographical (a significant river) and theological (marking the promised land's western extent).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Mount Tabor's role as both military staging ground and (traditional) transfiguration site illustrate the intersection of earthly struggle and heavenly glory?
- What does Issachar's modest sixteen-city inheritance teach about finding contentment in God's appointed portion rather than comparing with others' larger territories?
- How should Christians approach places or institutions with pagan origins (like Beth-shemesh)—with total avoidance or redemptive re-consecration?
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Analysis & Commentary
And the coast reacheth to Tabor, and Shahazimah, and Beth-shemesh; and the outgoings of their border were at Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages. This verse completes Issachar's boundary description, culminating at three final landmarks. Tābôr (תָּבוֹר) is the famous mountain rising dramatically 1,843 feet above the Jezreel Valley, visible for miles. Mount Tabor became the staging ground for Deborah and Barak's victory over Sisera (Judges 4:6-14) and Christian tradition identifies it as the transfiguration site. Shaḥăṣîmāh (שַׁחֲצִימָה) means "toward the heights" or "double pride." Bêth-shemesh (בֵּית־שֶׁמֶשׁ, "house of the sun") indicates either a topographical feature or possibly pre-Israelite sun worship that needed purging.
The eastern boundary "at Jordan" situated Issachar between the river and the valley, occupying the breadbasket between water sources. The summary "sixteen cities with their villages" indicates administrative centers plus surrounding settlements—a complete territorial unit. The number sixteen, while not symbolically significant like twelve or forty, represents the comprehensive yet modest size of Issachar's inheritance. They received sufficient territory for tribal viability without the prestige of larger allotments like Judah or Ephraim, modeling contentment with God's appointed portion.